Kolkata :

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), on Saturday, commenced work on the first in a series of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) it has developed and will be building for the Coast Guard. Among those present during the ‘Plate Cutting Ceremony,’ the first step towards construction of a ship, were Rear Admiral (retd) AK Verma, chairman-cum-managing director, GRSE and other senior officials.

The order for the FBVs was placed in March, 2016 and the first ship will be delivered in February, 2018, Verma said. “The design of these ships is unique. They are cost-effective, fuel-efficient and ideally suited for patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and rescue operations. They are an improved version of Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPVs) built earlier by GRSE for the Coast Guard. The FPVs are designed and developed by the in-house design centre of GRSE. Thanks to active support and participation of internal workforce and business partners in various shipbuilding activities, GRSE’s capabilities are constantly increasing. These ships will add punch to the Coast Guard’s capabilities in maintaining maritime security,” the CMD added.

The FPV is 48.9 metres long, 7.5 metres wide and has a displacement of nearly 300 tonnes. It is capable of attaining a maximum speed of 34 knots. At 12-16 knots, these ships have endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. They are fitted with three water jet propulsion systems powered by marine diesel engines, each developing 2720 KW of power and will be fitted with CRN-91 indigenous 30 mm gun. The ship has modern habitability conditions with accommodation for 35 personnel.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> India / by Jayanta Gupta / TNN / August 14th, 2016